Cindy L. Miles, Ph.D.
Chancellor
April 28, 2009
A Swine Flu Memo
Dear District Family:
The safety and health of our employees, students and visitors is of paramount importance. This memo is to communicate to you information regarding the current outbreak of swine flu steps that are being taken, our readiness for action, and additional sources of information.
A federal public health emergency has been declared concerning the current outbreak of swine flu in the United States. President Obama has stated that the swine flu epidemic is obviously a cause for concern and requires a heightened state of alert, but that it is “not a cause for alarm.”
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), swine flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people.
We are monitoring the swine flu situation and our District Emergency Preparedness Program will be implemented if there is a campus threat.
Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people. The following tips from the CDC on preventing illness are provided as a precaution. These are actions that everyone should take to stay healthy. I encourage you to share them with others.
Everyday actions people should take to stay healthy.
· Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
· Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Germs spread that way.
· If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
· Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
Here are several sources of additional information: the Information on swine flu fact sheet from CDC (attached in English and Spanish) and by link to http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/swineflu_you.htm ; the California Department of Public Health at http://www.cdph.ca.gov or the San Diego County swine flu Hotline at (858) 715-2250.
As always, we will take whatever action is necessary to ensure the health and safety of our students and employees. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available. This memo and attachments will be posted on the District web site under Staff Information.
Sincerely,
Cindy L Miles
Cindy L. Miles, Ph.D.
Chancellor